Your Calling
I have shared before that God called me to do the one thing I thought He and I had an understanding that I would not do. Public speaking - anything but that. I love to write and I said, “I write and they can read.” I believed that. After about 20 years, He had me speak. I did not regret it but I disliked it very, very much! But each time He asked, (God, not people) I did it, still not liking it. After 30 years, He asked again and I was sick again but I did it. I loved it! Not being in front of people but sharing the many miracles in my everyday life! I believe God calls us all and He equips us. He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. I think He was sneaky, for me, through the years, through women’s retreats, talks, Bible studies, starting classes, etc. And I know He is patient because after 30 years I got the passion - to share what He has done in my life and that means, when HE asks. Actually, He TELLS me because when He asks, I really don’t have an option!
“God did not direct His call to Isaiah— Isaiah overheard God saying, ". . . who will go for Us?" The call of God is not just for a select few but for everyone. Whether I hear God’s call or not depends on the condition of my ears, and exactly what I hear depends upon my spiritual attitude.” ― Oswald Chambers 1 Peter 4: 10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” We are ALL called to speak for the Lord and we are all called to serve others. Not just church leaders but everyone. Being a leader is a temporary role. Being a servant is our lifetime identity. And we will not retire from being called. As Pastor Tim says, “if you ain’t dead, you ain’t done.”
If God is calling you, you will know it. Pray that you know it is His voice and not yours. Pray for God’s grace to nurture on the inside what He calls us to live on the outside. Oftentimes, my callings go something like this. He will get my attention. He will repeat Himself. He’ll assure me that He will be with me. He’ll give me the first step. He will provide whatever I need at that time. He’ll send people to help and/or encourage. He will continue reassuring me as I begin to see His faithfulness. When I see that faithfulness, I begin to trust. Wherever God has called me I later feel a passion for it. “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” His grace gives us that passion! Isn’t that amazing? You are destined to do more right now than you are doing. Just have the courage to say “Yes” to who God called you to be!
Can you make a difference?
"Does not each rain-drop help to form the cool refreshing shower? And every ray of light to warm and beautify the flower?"